Austin Rivers has the utmost confidence in NBA players' athleticism but that confidence earned him some criticism on social media.The 11-year NBA veteran, who last played for the Timberwolves during the 2022-23 season, believes 30 NBA players could play in the NFL, but 30 NFL players could not play in the NBA, or so he said Tuesday on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show."I can take 30 players right now in the NBA David Wright Jersey and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA.- Austin Rivers(Via / h/t ) NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) Rivers' hot take is the latest in a long history of NFL vs. NBA comparisons. LeBron James, in particular, has been at the forefront of these debates; the Lakers star even said with the Dallas Cowboys during the 2011 NBA lockout.Heat star Jimmy Butler also caught flak for because, in his own words: "I'm fast and I have great hands. I can really catch."Rivers took it a step further this time. And he has received backlash from NFL athletes, celebrities and fans alike because of it.Soon after Rivers appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show," his quote startedmaking the rounds on social media.J.J. Wattquickly jabbed back at Rivers, as the former NFL defensive end challenged the former NBA player to make an NFL team."You dont got a job in either right now, go head and try it..." Watt posted on X.Watt followed up, admitting that he couldn't play in the NBA: "For the record, I could absolutely not play in the NBA. 6 Darryl Strawberry Jersey hard fouls is about all I could give you and call it a day."for the record, I could absolutely not play in the NBA.6 hard fouls is about all I could give you and call it a day. JJ Watt (@JJWatt) Mina Kimes, an NFL reporter for ESPN, chimed in on the debate with a parody of Rivers' take. Forget the NBA, can 30 NFL players take on the Minion Ice Cave from the "Despicable Me" movie franchise?I can take 30 Minions right now and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the Minion Todd Frazier Jersey Ice Cave. jmt Mina Kimes (@minakimes) Even MLB was roped into the discu sion, as one fan posted a video of former NFL and MLB athletes in a dunk contest.Since Austin Rivers is saying this nonsense I'll just leave this here. NFL and MLB players in a dunk contest.. Let's see NBA players have a double derby, not even a homerun derby. Or play third and defensive line Jay Mac (@jaymc1128) Others continue to clown the NBA veteran for his ridiculous take, from former NFL wide receiver Randy Mo s to fans.WOW really? Randy Mo s (@RandyMo s) Austin rivers first nfl game: - (@bochts) Meanwhile, former Rams, Eagles and Patriots defensive end . He cited practice conditions, coaching relationships and lack of load management as the major differences NBA players would have a tough time navigating.Some fans have agreed with Rivers, however. Asdrubal Cabrera Jersey They believe NBA players' height, speed and general athleticism translates from basketball to football.Austin Rivers is 100% right here more NBA players could play pro football than NFL players could play pro basketball. EASILY.All the skills, hand-eye coordination, regular coordination, fluidity, athleticism, speed, etc that NBA players need translates to football like that. Ben Sig (@sig_50) And even former NFL player turned analyst Ro s Tucker believes Rivers' take is partially correct. The only i sue Tucker takes with it? NBA players needof training before they could join the NFL ranks and make an impact.Austin Rivers was rightBut he was also very very wrong. MSG21+ Ro s Tucker Podcast (@Ro sTuckerPod) YearTeamGPMPGPPGRPGAPGFG%3-PT%FT%2012-13New Nolan Ryan Jersey Orleans Hornets6123.26.21.82.137.2%32.6%54.6%2013-14New Orleans Pelicans6919.47.71.92.340.5%36.4%63.6%2014-15Pelicans/Clippers7620.67.02.02.040.9%29.8%67.5%2015-16Clippers6721.98.91.91.543.8%33.5%68.1%2016-17Clippers7427.812.02.22.844.2%37.1%69.1%2017-18Clippers6133.715.12.44.042.4%37.8%64.2%2018-19Wizards/Rockets7626.78.12.12.240.6%31.8%52.6%2019-20Rockets6823.48.82.61.742.1%35.6%70.3%2020-21Knicks/Nuggets3623.57.92.32.342.4%36.9%71.0%2021-22Nuggets6722.16.01.71.341.7%34.2%72.7%2022-23Timberwolves5219.54.91.61.443.5%35.0%76.9%